Threaded To Threadless Headset/Fork Upgrade On Vintage Road Bike

I convert my 1990 Trek 1000 from a 1 inch threaded fork/headset to a threadless setup with a carbon fiber composite fork. The most common threaded forks have 1 inch steerer tubes. So you are limited when converting them to threadless to use a threadless fork with a 1" steerer. A fork with a 1-1/8" streerer just won't work in a head tube made for a 1" steerer in most cases. In this video, I actually use threaded fork with a long steerer, but I install is with a threadless headset. I would have used a true 1" threadless fork, but they are not easy find for a decent price and I wanted to go with carbon fiber. I installed a 1 1/8" stem with a shim.
Be aware that some bikes have headtubes with weird dimensions. Like old Schwinns have threaded forks with 1" steerers, but the head tube is an odd size so is not a good candidate for threadless conversion.
Ritchey Logic 1" Threadless Headset:
www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/AS...
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[@RJTheBikeGuy]

For more bike repair videos hit the subscribe button 🛑 and click the notification bell ► bit.ly/SubRJTheBikeGuy

[@ikosimisimo3363]

Let's take a minute to say that this guy has covered literally every subject related to bikes! Every time l'm stuck with a compatibility problem or a question l can't find answers to the guy has put a video about it! Thank you mate from Morocco 🇲🇦

[@shannonashby8145]

Thanks for the video. Just what I needed to know! Love your approach and improvised tools.

[@daiburt1833]

I got 2 bike's where the only original part is the rider 😂😂

[@literoadie3502]

I've had the same broom for 50 years. likewise the only original part is the user.

[@ofentsemodisanehybridathle4896]

😂😂😂

[@AWriterWandering]

Bike of Theseus

[@edwardzx7]

Lite Roadie how is that even possible?!

[@jerizignacio5680]

soo.. you upgrade/replaced parts until all the original part is gone? nice

[@Drago0900]

I always find these videos interesting because just the fact that a lot of older bikes can be converted from lug nuts to Qr or threaded to thread less it’s just mind blowing to me for whatever reason

[@TrevOwnz89]

I've Google three random questions on converting a vintage bike to modern parts and all three times your first video that popped up answered the question exactly. Great stuff.

[@sitflyer2661]

You are my hero RJ! I have an old Trek 370 and it is my daily driver, I just love it, and am thinking of spreading the rear drop outs to go from 7 to 9 speed, and maybe converting the fork to something like what you did here...you give me much inspiration on my cycling wrenching stuff...thanks for what you do on your channel, it is so greatly appreciated...you have created a legacy here with your tutorials...

[@supra.crunch]

thanks for this video. i just ran into a situation where i am giving my son an old trek alpha 2000 that has a threaded fork but needed a threadless setup for his size and did not want to give up on a great bike frame. This is perfect!

[@lobo241us]

I am going to do the same thing to my 1999 Litespeed to give it a more modern look. I love your videos. Thanks.

[@rolandovera5935]

You know, I'm an experienced home mechanic. And I know how to do and have done most if not all of these bike fixes but I still love to watch these videos. Keep pumping them out and I'll keep watching.

[@freddyalonzo478]

You saved my life. Purchased a vintage Columbus fork with a tall uncut steer tube and had a plethora of doubt after learning that the threads are just way to far up (will be installed on a 54cm) You answered my question about the adapter and also shared how to make your own tools by using your noggin. dude awesome many many many thank yous Best

[@vidiia]

Beautiful. Such a great lesson, this is a comprehensive crash course in most everything a mechanic needs to know about headset assembly and disassembly. Truly the best bike teacher on youtube. Really well done.

[@stard00]

I gave that bicycle (Trek 1100) to my brother as a gift, now i am here because i wanted to convert a carbon fiber kestrel to a threadless system, pretty informative video thanks a bunch

[@soihavetoplay]

I love all these home made tools, such great tips for all of us!! You are the "Master". :)

[@ryanlangan1060]

Thanks for the video. I'll be making your headset tools, although I'll be adding a wood insert to the cup press that is close to the inside diameter of the head tube. That way the pull direction is always aligned with the tube. I'll bet that you could get different sizes of wood dowel center drilled that would fit almost any bike.

[@rollypollyguy3976]

That headset removal tool is super slick with its reverse entry to lock in! Thanks for the know how.

[@jlkoelker]

Thanks this was very helpful! Answered my questions about 1" threaded to 1 1/8" threadless.

[@johnjerizlopezignacio3891]

Yes this is what we mean when upgrading our bike forks!! Although many still find the other video useful specially for MTB fam. Thank your very much for making these kind of videos.

[@weedfoxs]

Extremely helpful as always!! keep the videos coming! specially modernizing or updating vintage road bikes!!

[@emmnhrld]

I have the same headtube size in 2020. this really saved me from buying a new frameset. Thanks, Dad

[@WD-Fawdy]

i actually adapted a threadless to threaded. i took an old crashed fork and cut the threaded part and pushed it thru a threadless fork that had its tubbe chopped off. been running well for the past 7 years, a little loose but works great

[@Honkawsuzyamal]

I've got a 2015 Dawes mojave and was considering this conversion for years but the cost put me off. Last year I was in Evans and they were selling a new fork for £5 . I completed the job with a FSA ORBIT 2 HEADSET and a new handlebar stem. Great result. Greetings from Maidstone England

[@daudthomson]

RJ, thanks a lot, your vids keep my old mountain bike running with thredless fork

[@MrJonas2255]

Yeah, I'm inclined to agree, that was never designed to have lateral clamping force on it. Plus, nashbar makes a threaded 1'' carbon fork if you want to do this

[@mrreviewsitall7496]

have the same old trek. been through many updates, now heres another thank to you sir!

[@markbattista6238]

THANKS AGAIN , AS USUAL YOUR VIDIOS COME IN SO HANDY . YOU COVER ALL THE BASES AND YOUR HAND MADE TOOLS ARE FANTASTIC.

[@josuelozano7581]

I have a vintage Miyata road bike and I'm looking forward to make some changes on it and your videos are helping me a lot. Thanks for the videos

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Josue Lozano Miyata made some good bikes. Probably a good platform to build on!

[@msnoonan]

Great video. After watching this, I followed your instructions and upgraded my old steel frame bike to threadless. A couple of things you might want to add. First, the problems I had with threaded was that the damn thing was always getting loose, no matter what I did. Maybe it was the cheap-o headsets or forks I used, but it was the main reason I wanted to go threadless. The second thing is the shim, specifically the length of it. The shim I got on Amazon was about a quarter of an inch longer than the length of the stem clamping area. There was no way I could get it to work unless I hacksawed the shim down to the exact length of the stem clamping area. Your upgrade appeared to have a shim that fit perfectly, but maybe you could add some info on what to do if the shim is too long. Thanks.

[@roivosemraiva]

This video is answering the questions which I wanted answered. The Nemo Venir bike that I have has a 1 " threaded steel fork , installing a non threaded 1" fork..thank you..

[@alexshakin3337]

Все что Вы делаете выглядит легко и просто, но за этим стоит огромный опыт и знания, спасибо Вам за понятные видео! All you do looks easy and simple, but behind much experience and knowledge, thank you for clear videos!

[@fucktheworld1207]

Another Job well done, hats off to you Sir, from Liverpool, England.....

[@davidward4329]

When I am stuck doing to a bike project, I switch on your channel to find the answers . Great video

[@retinal7493]

This Video is so valuable for me. Zou have no idea how grateful I am for this video. Thanks!

[@keithdominicmorata6395]

Youre the best. Your videos did help us a lot to know more about upgrading our bikes.

[@johnjenkinsmusic1]

Great video! A ratcheted wrench would be very helpful for the head tube cup installation. Nice homemade tools, too! :)

[@mehranshaikh5905]

thanks for your tutorial and your home made tools are also superb

[@Erik-rc7iy]

This man is national treasure! Great videos man!

[@nirajshr]

thanks so much for the video. very good background on different size steerer tubes.

[@robby4770]

Thank you so much I was looking for an old mountain bike and you told me exactly what I needed to know

[@MM-vv8mt]

I just finished retromodding an '80s Schwinn World Tour 2x6 into a 2x7 with new old-stock Shimano Ultegra derailleurs and brake calipers and STI shift/brake levers. New wheels, freewheel, chain, and Continental Gatorskins. Have not yet replaced the theeaded fork/quill, but that's next. Cant wait to go hammer on it tomorrow!

[@petee1968]

Really useful video, thanks! Some great "amateur" tools you've made too, excellent ideas.

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

I actually have many of the professional tools, but use these because these are more accessible to many of my viewers.

[@camanderson2196]

I have a 1992 trek 1000 and it is great, I want to start upgrading stuff but it still works great

[@HanditaIrwansyah]

nice video sir, your tools is compeleted.. so perfect , can maintanance bike ownself at home.. i love classic bike and what to try this tutorial,thank you

[@timdouglass6491]

I also like the older frame geometry. Good video.

[@chrisnotyourbusines7739]

Hej Dude! Just did the same according to your guide, 30+ Year old Frame. I didnt have a workstand or anything but managed ot do it on the floor with improvised tool (Broomstick cup remover) I love how the bike looks (also did new breaks and used your drilling method for rear wheel I have to say You helped me alot understanding how this whole bike thing works and 'I wanted to say a quick Thanks! before i go on first ride.

[@kxlucifer]

Chris Notyourbusines old seat post work will too if they 1 1/8 diameter stick it in the hole bang bang they fling right out

[@dexterxian4747]

You have an epic home made tool sooo cool , im planing to convert my standard MB to a threadless one youre vids. Is a big help .thank you for your vid.

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

kzbin.info/aero/PLxO5aF0senshDxqoooXUSJGG132wE_o35

[@gottenwheel14]

Good video. I managed to buy 2 framesets for £40 on a clearance off planet x they also came with forks 1 1" and 11/8" the frames are sab sportissimo 1 and 2 they are trekking/hybrid road frames. I will build 1 up for a cheap city/off road trail bike but I will put a deore setup on it as I have 2 sets spare I got for £40 each on a clearance.the frames have a good paint job I was expecting stickers but they have full painted decoration.

[@dilltheoriginaldog]

This is EXACTLY the video I've been looking for! Thank you very much. :-)

[@55chh]

I did a similar conversion on my VITUS 979 installing a Nashbar 1" carbon fork. I ran into a situation installing the race of the WOODMAN headset onto the fork. Apparently there are at least a couple different standards for the diameter of the shoulder on the steerer tube that the bottom race presses onto. They vary only a few tenths of a millimeter but it's enough to make some headsets incompatable with some forks. You may want to advise your followers of a potential problem.

[@MarcoArayaS]

your videos are great RJ! Thank you!

[@motleypixel]

Brilliant! I'm considering an ISM saddle. Now I'm going to search your channel to see if you have any videos on it. If not, please share your experience with that saddle. Thank you as always for the your time sharing your knowledge on bikes.

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

I have three Adamo saddles. Love em. They have to be adjusted correctly.

[@VictorSalazar44]

Awesome dude. Way to keep the bike updated and I love your resourcefulness with the homemade tools. Very genius. I cant believe I paid shops to press things in for me! Before youtube days of course! haha.

[@papercitypeople9222]

Thanks dude! This is exactly what I needed.

[@paulmcanear825]

Really appreciate you and your sharing of your expertise.

[@Alfa011]

Great video. I did the same years ago in an old Ishiwatta steel frame. Will subscribe and watch your videos. Thanks!

[@ClaudioDrews]

Just what I was looking for! Many many thanks!

[@joshchavers7391]

Absolutely fantastic video now I want to work on a bike.

[@paulysci925]

You're great! This is precisely the information I needed :)

[@Quimerateck]

thank you for the tutorial, now i can put a comfy suspension in my steel mtb

[@dennistate9951]

Great job. I'm looking to do this to my 1994 Cannondale R800

[@tonyconnors1342]

Thanks a great video love learning about parts that can be got.

[@rollinrat4850]

I have a cool Sun Tour XC pro greaseguard 1” headset. It was threaded. I machined it so its threadless. I chucked up the top race in a lathe, indicated the bearing race so it was round and true, then bored out the threads. I made a special shaped brass washer for the top. It works great. I did it to a Chris King headset as well. If you have access to a metal lathe you could do it on any headset. Sun tour licensed greaseguard from WTB. I also have an xc pro front hub and a real nice WTB rear hub both with zerks. All you have to do is pump in grease until the you see clean grease come out the seals. You wipe off the dirty grease and your good to go. All these parts are about 25 years old and well used. They all function great after all these years!

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Or just buy a threadless headset.

[@rollinrat4850]

It was quicker and free to do this. Saved gas too. It might sound complicated. For a machinist its a 1/2 hr job at most. Besides that , both these headsets are high end and the Sun Tour is unique.

[@M3N07H3R3]

Your videos are very usefull! Thanks!

[@MattyWander]

I loved the idea to use "Shim" between 1" threaded steer tube and 1-1/8" stem.I think that the alminium shim would work well to keep nice surface to stem side / bite on threads on steer tube.But I also agreed that Ritchey head set + Ritchey stem combination brought you much better visual even if the stem in your shelf was actually 1-1/8" : D

[@miguelcintron6595]

really good project for my Peugeot PX10 1990, THX

[@Alex-ek3ic]

You’re brilliant man, love it

[@lucianonarno1408]

Thinking about doing this to my 1983 Trek 520... That carbon fork does give it the pro look. lol.

[@m.usamausman]

Thanks for the video I always thought it was impossible

[@Flamingeyes245]

I have a 1990 trek 420 that I absolutely love. I got it for free, as it was abandoned in my school's storage. Only issue is the highest gear doesn't work on the cassette because the lockring interferes with the chain for that gear.

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Flamingeyes245 Could it be the limiting screw needs adjusting? Have you watched this video? kzbin.info/www/bejne/emargWSmpLedrJI

[@MikeBeeman]

i like the homemade tools. subscribed

[@christiancallaghan6865]

Great videos mate!

[@PedroElena1000]

Keep going my friend! Very good video

[@nickclayton2517]

You just gave me an idea I want to change out the fork on my 7100. It has the 1-1/8 inch threaded steerer tube. I think I want to do Threadless.

[@clandestino232]

You're the MVP man thanks!

[@rpiresleite]

Thank for the video. Very informative!

[@bigzen69]

The trick with the press tool is to use a fine threaded Bolt & Nut which will move your device is much easier and smoother than a coarse thread

[@Wokkoning]

I love the vids, it helps a lot!

[@gregoryforshey2652]

Fantastic video as always.

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Thanks.

[@raytonjohn1908]

Thanks man. Very informative 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@cristophercontreras7179]

You're amazing. If you're ever biking in Chicago... please do tell

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

I have been to Chicago, but never biking there.

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Lucas Patterson, still alive! Hoping to come out with some new videos soon.

[@jacknorberto7172]

RJ The Bike Guy what size was the pvc pipe

[@nrapiera]

Hi, do you have a link to where you bought that fork?

[@jimbarron8688]

If you played the drinking game with the word 'here' you wouldn't last 10 minutes. Great video packed with info and tips!

[@schutztruppe]

nice!!!!!!!!!! I want to use this method on a beach cruiser that I want MTB shock forks on.

[@mrheart4242]

2 tips. #1 do the upper and lower at the same time. Use a section of pvc to remove the slop between the inside of the cups and the rod. Free one turn the nut not the bolt.

[@chrislukes9037]

Using the shim seems like good idea - clamping the stem directly over the threads seems like it could result in less contact/friction to hold the stem in place to resist twisting, and/or could mar the inside of the stem clamp. Not sure if the shim itself could slip around the threads, but possible the threads might be able to "bite" into the shim as it tightens. Sometimes I've tweaked a tightened stem around the steerer even when using standard setup, though I suppose usually only if the wheel got caught in tram rails or similar.

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Shims generally work fine.

[@chrislukes9037]

@@RJTheBikeGuy Right - I was more concerned (probably unnecessarily!) about clamping over *threads* (where contact surface would be reduced by the raised threads) than the general use of a shim. With a shim over a smooth, threadless steerer, you're still getting pretty much the same contact area.

[@roysmodification6348]

Thanks buddy helpful video

[@pilgrim32mn]

another great video

[@SoySeanez]

more videos please, your awesome

[@aceprater5397]

Just got a white T1000 and reviving it now. Wondering about shift levers and hub/cassette options.

[@albertbruin2587]

FYI: When using an adjustable (Crescent) wrench, the adjustable jaw ALWAYS leads, the fixed jaw follows. Otherwise, the adjustable jaw CAN move just enough to slip off, rounding off the nut. Flip the tool over, fixed jaw to rear, it cannot move.

[@heybenjoman4608]

Hi thank you for this video it really helps, i have a question is this safe because the threaded part is kind a tin now, will that compromise the durability of the fork?

[@AvaPxiaO]

You can put the cup in the freezer for a little while before you start and that makes it go in easier.

[@anthonycongiano8890]

Great job!

[@jeremylucas6771]

Great video! I'm looking at doing exactly this to an early-to-mid 90s Cannondale. Luckily for me, I can use a 1-1/8 steerer tube. I've got a handful of questions. Is it necessary to change out the top and bottom races? Other than the fork, and maybe the races, what other parts would I need?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

+Jeremy Lucas Buy a threadless headset and it will have all the parts.

[@mikec3735]

Great stuff.

[@gabriel.trainer]

RJ, first of all. Thanks for sharing your vids. They helped me out a lot! I have exactly the same fork and I want to do this upgrade on an old Bianchi I have. Questions are: Is this threaded steerer of the Kinesis carbon fork strong enough to hold the new stem? Have you had any problems with your bike since the upgrade last year?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

I have had no problems with this bike.

[@taichihead42]

Nice job

[@jeremysplaya450]

I love it when somebody tells me something I want to do can't be done. I will cut the tube and weld a larger one if I must but I am determined to get this 1 1/8" carbon fork to join my vintage 10 speed Schwinn sprint or die trying. If you have any tips or advice I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

+Jeremy Splaya Not sure of the head tube size on that, but but many old Schwinns had odd sized head tubes, and you are not going to find a threadless headset to fit one of those.

[@dannyh8288]

Ive got my great grandfathers ax. The handle has been replaced 4 times, the head replaced only once.

[@chrismochewa9663]

It's funny, I just did the same thing last week. But I didnt change the utter cup, just changed the cone ring on the other fork...

[@ihaveabigcojones]

I've been looking for years how to put a carbon fiber fork 1" 1/8 to my oldschool race bike whom is 1" standard size, I'm from México and I'd be a dream if someday get to do this. It's a great video!

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

You can't. You need a 1" fork.

[@ihaveabigcojones]

RJ The Bike Guy do you know any online store where I could get one?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

@@ihaveabigcojones You have to do your own shopping. Try ebay, google, amazon, etc.

[@chobis64]

@@RJTheBikeGuy maybe using custom cups that can be pressed by the outside? It should deserve a try.

[@chobis64]

Yes, it is possible, a guy from Puebla, Puebla sells custom cups that fit 1 1/8 forks into 1" standard, I didnt believe it until I tried it

[@lordbertos8124]

So it’s only now I have discovered stem adaptations lol makes my like so much easier